One Dead, Three Injured As Grenade Explodes In Lagos

One Dead, Three Injured As Grenade Explodes In Lagos.
Undetonated grenades found, scene secured by police.
Investigation ongoing into how scavengers got explosives.

Panic swept through Idi-Araba in the Mushin area of Lagos State on Thursday following a grenade explosion that claimed the life of a scavenger and left three others seriously injured.

The tragic incident occurred around 1:30 pm at a metal scrapyard when a group of scavengers reportedly attempted to dismantle a military-grade grenade. According to eyewitnesses, the device detonated in the process, killing one person on the spot and causing multiple injuries.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that residents said the blast caused widespread fear, with many unsure of its cause until police arrived. “A loud explosion was heard around past 12 pm, and the police were immediately contacted because no one could ascertain the cause. It was later when the police arrived that we discovered that it was a grenade,” said Akin Olawale, a local resident.

Another resident, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, described the chaotic aftermath. “We saw a vehicle moving some injured persons to the hospital. They were terribly wounded. The driver stopped briefly at a filling station, but he couldn’t wait due to the queue,” the resident told Punch.

In a statement on Friday, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the explosion was caused by a military-grade grenade. He also disclosed that two additional undetonated grenades were recovered from the scene.

“The incident happened at about 1:30 pm. One person was killed and three were hospitalized. The Explosive and Ordinance Department has rendered the area safe and cordoned off the scene. There is zero possibility of another explosion, and an investigation has commenced,” Hundeyin stated.

The police have since begun a thorough investigation into the origin of the grenades and how they came into the possession of the scavengers. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm, assuring that the situation is under control.